2008 MHSAA Wrestling Mid-Season Meeting Summary - Sunday, January 20


After introductions, discussion took place on the new NF rule changes. The group
believed that the new rule change dealing with the neutral start has been well received.
However, those in attendance believed that the NF must address the current
inconsistencies with how a wrestler that requests to use the optional start after
the bottom wrestler is set (currently no penalty) is different with how a wrestler
that requests to use the new neutral start after the bottom wrestler is set (penalty).
The MHSAA will make this rule change proposal to the NF.

One rule change that did cause concern was the requirement of the mouthpiece for
wrestlers with braces. Issues with the style of mouthpiece, the mouthpiece coming
out during competition and the cleaning of the mouthpiece had all been problems,
especially early in the season. The MHSAA will be communicating these
concerns with the NF to better define the types of mouthpieces that are legal and
the penalties for wrestlers who are constantly allowing the mouthpiece to fall out
during competition.

A suggestion was made to have the first criteria for choice of starting position for the
Ultimate Tiebreaker to be unsportsmanlike conduct rather than first points scored.
This will also be forwarded to the NF.

For the 2008-09 rules meetings, a point of emphasis will be that Michigan female
wrestlers are required to wear a tight fighting, short sleeve shirt under the singlet
as defined in NF Wrestling rule 4-1-1(a) or the high-cut singlet made for female
participants.

The NF will continue to look at skin issues and supporting materials will be available
for the 2008-09 season. The communication process for schools that have skin
outbreaks, especially MRSA, was also discussed.

The group discussed the “Blair Bar”, a twisting hammer lock that comes off the back.
All officials were reminded that this hold is illegal.

Anyone wishing to propose a NF rule change must do so in writing to Mark Uyl at the
MHSAA by February 20.

A brief summary was provided on the tournament selection process and attendees had
a chance to ask questions and discuss various topics included rotation of Final officials,
working consecutive years, etc.

The following situation was discussed at length with the following ruling:

Situation 1: Wrestler A applies a head lock for a takedown, finishing with all of wrestler
B out of bounds and just A's feet in bounds with A's hips/butt contacting the mat
(supporting point). There is not a question that A scores his takedown because
there is clear control and feet finish inbounds. The question is does A get any opportunity
to pull B back inbounds to score any NF or fall? Or, is A also out of
bounds (supporting point, hips) and does wrestling stop immediately?

Ruling: The official should blow the whistle and restart the wrestlers as they are out of
bounds.